I found a slip of paper with your address It didn't hurt to see it, not like it did when I tore it out of my notepad I've justified keeping it for "revenge" on who? your mom? it's her house; she didn't do anything But, it didn't hurt this time I crumpled it up and took a breath and threw it in my trash can It was gone but not really I want it to be gone, I want to move on I lit an almost-burned-out candle, the small flame grew taller as it enveloped the purple paper ball A delicate stream of smoke rose; the smell of burnt paper filled my room I watched the flame dance while it slowly turned the paper into ash The candle, now liquefied and exhausted, begged to be put to rest But the flame desperately clung to the worn out wick, anything to stay alive; almost screaming "what if" and "but" pitifully attempting to justify its needless existence I want to move on Why am I grasping at anything to keep this memory relevant? I want to move on Why is it so hard? But seeing the paper didn't hurt this time The smoke, like a Phoenix of catharsis, rose from the ash and melted wax I can finally put it out I gently place the lid on the jar The flame that had been so tall and alive became meek and helpless It's gone now I am moving on, So mote it be